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I N R O E I S T E IA R C VI O E FL CES ASS LUS AM SA MI NIS S ATQUE RUI ROYAL AIR FORCE & DEFENCE FIRE SERVICES ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

IN THIS ISSUE Fire Section Cats • Taff the Fire Part 2 Up to his elbow in it Museum news Ascension Island AOC for the day Beyond the RAF Fire Service

www.rafanddfsa.co.uk Spring 2018 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk1 Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 Who To Contact - Officers and Committee

Patron AREA CO-ORDINATORS Air Marshal Sir Roger Austin KCB AFC RAF (Ret’d) The Co-Ordinators Committee Member President Vacant Dennis McCann BEM Member 9 Lincolnshire Wood View, St Andrews Close, Alresford, Colchester, Steve Harrison Essex. CO7 8BL. 58 Gospel Gate, Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 9JZ Tel: 01206 820715 Tel: 01507 355740 Vice – President Email: [email protected] Ron Brown Member 294 Cornwall, Devon & Somerset 38 Sedgebrook, Liden, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 6EY. Terry Mortimore Tel: 01793 496307 32 Newbridge, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3LX Email: [email protected] Tel: Chairman Email: [email protected] Neil Slade Member 934 North West & Wales 29 Orchard Close, Ash Vale, Surrey, GU12 5HU. Vacant Tel: 01252 492111 North Email: [email protected] Robert Atkinson Member 108 Vice- Chairman 4 Fairway, Stella Park, Blaydon, Tyne and Wear, NE21 Howard Harper Member 682 4LL. 34 The Westering, Meadowlands, Tel: 0191 4148176 Cambridgeshire, CB5 8SF. Norfolk Tel: 01223 292298 John Savage MBE Member 188 General Secretary 3 Mercedes Avenue, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5EJ Mike Clapton Member 704 Tel: 01485 532353 4 Fairfax Road, Cirencester, Gloucester, GL7 1NF. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01285 655314 RAF Email: [email protected] Steve Shirley MBE Grad I Fire E Treasurer 16 Rutland Way, Scampton, Lincoln, LN1 2UJ Trevor Hayes Tel: 07912 658402 2 Gypsy lane, Hunton Bridge, Kings Langley, South Hertfordshire, WD4 8PR. John Hurl Tel: 01923 331975 34 Copt Elm Close, Charlton King, Cheltenham, Email: [email protected] Gloucestershire, GL53 8AE. Membership Secretary Tel: 01242 522503 Brian Jones London Tel: 01269 594065 / 07772 247295 “Jess” Jessup Flashpoint Editor 44 Quentin Road, Lewisham, London, SE13 5DF. Reg Metcalfe Member 991 Tel: 0208 2187499 Naddlegate West, Haweswater, Burnbanks, Nr Penrith, Scotland Cumbria, CA10 2RW Alec Robertson Tel: 01931 713120 / 07791 075238 12 Kinclavin Crescent, Murthly, Perth, PH1 4EU. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01738 710487 Cambridge & Suffolk Vacant Northern Ireland Kenneth Green 2 Brooklands Drive, Whitehead, Carrickfergus, Antrim, Northern Ireland. Tel: 01960 372595 Essex Ben Zaccardelli 98 Lyndhurst Drive, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1JZ. Tel: 01708 443593 Mobile: 07702271537 Email: [email protected]

Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 2 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk Flashpoint Editorial SPRING 2018

irst of all I hope this edition finds you to it. W.O. Simon Marsh is taking over the for the next edition. I have now run out Fall well. My sincere apologies for the helm at Brize and has said that I can go so unless you want this magazine to be delay in getting my second edition out to down and spend a few days their once he all about me, could you please dig deep. you the membership. My father passed is settled into his new post after having it Gordon Smith is going to furnish me with away in February so as you can imagine cushy at Afnorth (Afcent that was). a stack of pictures which I am very grateful there was a lot to sort out but here I am for but it really is stories. Come on we were On a sad note you will all no doubt have ready, willing and able to move forward a right bunch of rouges so there must be heard the news about the museum. I am and continue at pace being the editor of some cracking stories to be told. totally gutted for W.O. Steve Shirley and this fine magazine that is so central to the his team. I am absolutely certain that Steve Well, summer might (and I say might very association. This year is a very special year will pull it back and move forward with loosely) be upon us so get out, enjoy but for us all with the 100th anniversary of the some real RAF Fire Service spirit. above all stay safe. Royal Air Force and the 75th anniversary of our very own Royal Air Force Fire I want to briefly touch on Mental Health. All the best service. I was lucky enough to go to the As some of you may know I was diagnosed Reg Metcalfe Member 991 National Arboretum on the 13th of May in 2016 with Complex PTSD, Borderline Editor for the RAFA Centenary Service which I Personality Disorder and Cyclothymia found very moving. Unbeknown to me was (on the Bipolar spectrum). Being a bloke the fact that our treasurer Trevor Hayes and having a lot of pride it took me a long was also there and sat very close to me. time to accept that I had a problem and no We had a conversation on the Tuesday after doubt some of that are reading this will be Hello Reg, thinking “ Reggie you have always been the event and could not believe that we had I am Tim Webster association member nuts so what’s different”. The difference is missed each other. Never mind Trevor we 1013.congratulations on your first that I made the decision to man up and seek will meet at the AGM. edition it is splendid. help. I suppose what I am trying to say is In the last edition I mentioned an idea of that please guys if you think you may have I have been involved with Steve doing flashpoint on tour and I am pleased MH issues just get yourself to the doctor Shirley and the collection since to say that my first visit will be to RAF and ask for help I am lucky enough to have 2005/6,which is my connection to the Leeming Fire section where I will meet up become a beneficiary of Help for Heroes assoc. I own a tacr2a 09AY98 ex RAF with Gordon Smith and spend the day at and spend a lot of time at the Recovery VALLEY. in the next issue could you the Fire Section. I am so looking forward Centre at Phoenix House Catterick. The ask the members if anybody served place is amazing and the staff cannot do with it and have any pictures of it in enough to help. I have done many courses service and any stories etc. there. However, what does help the most I live in Market Harborough Leics is the fact that they encourage you to chat next to the M1/A14 triangle. on openly with other veterans or serving your travels and you want a coffee personnel whilst in the centre. If any of our etc please contact me ,we have a members want any info on H4H or Mental preservation club in town where the Health issues please feel free to give me TACR is housed in luxury ,and all a shout as I will only too pleased to help. the facilities on site my number is Some of the more mature members May I also thank all those of you that have 07857461166. may have seen this scene in a certain given me support over the last two years publication that was our bible. since having my breakdown. Many thanks Tim This is a diorama that I built from the White Metal Kits that I produce and a Here I go begging again. Guys and Girls 1/72 scale Hunter. please could I have some more material

FRONT COVER This photograph was taken by Museum of RAF Firefighting volunteer Gareth Jordan who took the WOT1 to an event called ‘Baston in the Blitz’ (near Peterborough) this August. The WOT1 was driven by him from Scampton to Cranwell where he stayed overnight and carried on the next day, and pleased to say the WOT1 made it back to Scampton. Before he left however he took the opportunity to re-create history. As we know WOT1’s also served the USAAF as part of the lend lease programme normally retaining their RAF markings they joined the crash crews to supplement the basic machines available to the Americans. The scene is now set at RAF Molesworth during WW2 and the fire battalion stands ready with their vehicles with a WOT1 and a Dodge Carrier poised to respond to the battle weary B17’s coming home from their latest raid. What a chance to re-create the past with another immaculate fire appliance. Equipment was very basic. Extra hose, rescue equipment like axes, extinguishers etc. Some were converted to carry pumping equipment and ladders. They could also be used for casualty/ evacuation as the stretchers fit perfect in the rear compartment. www.rafanddfsa.co.uk 3 Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 UP TO HIS ELBOW IN IT

t was a dry bright morning on the day he, or words to that effect?, to this day I this have experienced putting a ring on Imy tale begins, it was my turn to be do not know what thought or idea made your finger only to find it won›t come off the JNCO i/c the Domestic Crew a duty me delay the departure of an emergency until some form of lubricant is applied?, I always enjoyed because, very often, vehicle whilst I ran into the kitchen to grab well this was exactly what happened, the there were many varied tasks to perform. a squeezy bottle of washing up liquid, but boy was relaxing because I was trying my On this particular morning the Domestic that’s what I did? best to make the situation into a game, I Alarm sounded originating from a teacher didn›t even need to tell him try to free his We were quickly on the scene, although the at the Primary School on the base RAF arm, it just seemed to slide out as he moved journey seemed somewhat longer, I think Laarbruch Germany, the emergency to try and dry his tears. that was because of the muttered comments involved a five-year old boy who was and strange looks I was getting on the way? Of course there were a round of cheers and apparently screaming his head off because The scene on arrival was much the same pats on the back from all concerned, what his arm was jammed up to his shoulder in as I can imagine anyone reading this could could have resulted in a major incident the grating of a rainwater drain at the edge picture, kids being rounded up and guided involving all sorts of cutting and lifting of the playground one of those grating s back into the school and a small cluster equipment and a very traumatized child, which are very heavy with thick slightly of adults crowded around a screaming was solved by concentrated washing up curved bars. child who just appeared to be laying in the liquid. I would dearly love for someone Of course the Domestic Crew were quick gutter? I approached the group not with an to explain to me how I managed to see to respond getting to the truck with the axe or hose, but a bottle of fairy liquid, you the solution to the problem even before addition of Flight Sergeant Admin, who’s can perhaps imagine some of the names I actually arrived at the scene? but I was name escapes me after all these years?, used to describe me by my ‘ex buddies’ glad I did, I don›t suppose the little boy what I will not forget was the expression after the incident? anyway going down will play with his marble so close to a on his face and what he had to say when, on my knees, something I could do then? drain ever again... instead of leaping into the truck I turned I started to talk carmly to the boy trying back towards the section (almost knocking my best to make a game of pouring cold him over) and made a beeline for the washing up liquid all over and around his kitchen, ‘where the hell are you going says upper arm, I am sure many of you reading

Museum of RAF fire Fighting e are very sad to announce that the local community, visitors, clubs and With this year being the 100th anniversary WMuseum of RAF Fire Fighting societies. of the formation of the Royal Air Force, is unable to proceed with its planned and the 75th anniversary of the RAF The Museum continues to work hand in official opening, which was due to take Fire Service, we hope that the Museum hand with a number of local Councils, place on the 4th May 2018 at their newly will remain in The Bomber County of Heritage Networks and Armed Forces acquired home at North Warren Road Lincolnshire. If you know of a location Veterans Groups in order to achieve its Gainsborough. suitable to house the collection, then aim of finding a permanent residence please contact the museum urgently. We Due to the continued expansion of the to house a unique collection which will consider every option! Hexadex Group, it has been necessary has often been described as being of for them to re-acquire the site for National importance. The dedicated The dream will continue… watch this business purposes. Regretfully we will team of Volunteers won’t give up on space, but above all, please continue to have to vacate North Warren Road by their quest to find a permanent location support us. the end of September 2018. for this popular visitor attraction. Talks with Hexadex group are still Everyone connected with the Museum The Museum phone line, website and all ongoing and therefore it is imperative is shocked and devastated at losing other social media avenues will continue that the matter is not discussed on this facility and wish to acknowledge to function. Your continuing support for any forms of social media. I am sure the continued support of West Lindsey these will be essential while the museum we can count on your support in this. District Council, the local community searches for a new home. and the Hexadex Group in developing We remain active members of Aviation the museum thus far. The Museum team Heritage Lincolnshire and the Fire was looking forward to renewing and Heritage Network UK. establishing new relationships with the

Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 4 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk Taff the Fire Part 2

Chapter 4 with the facts of reality. A fully loaded letters that had arrived in the post. A few! passenger aircraft developed steering Let me explain. He had put a request in a My existence BC, that is ‘Before Call-up’, problems on takeoff. It crashed into a popular magazine reading: had been nice and steady, now I found caravan just off the end of the runway myself on what is often called ‘The roller- Lonely, good-looking RAF lad stationed and burst into flames. The fire crew did an coaster’ of life. excellent job, I could not fault them but, in Malta would like a few pen pals to The organised routine of training, the sadly, a few lives were lost. write to. slap-happy transit camp, the moments of When the fire is out, the ambulances have All letters answered. laughter and the moments of sadness. El left, and one is left looking at the scene, Adem where the whole camp turned out at On entering his room there were letters you think, “Could I have done more?” the sound of an aircraft, then RAF Luqa. everywhere and half a dozen unopened Every person you speak to tells you that Here planes waited for the odd vacant mailbags stacked on his bed. you did all that was possible, you and you slot to land or take off, twenty-four hours alone still wonder, “Did I?” Being a man of principles and having a day. Luqa, besides being one of the written, “All letters answered” this was busiest RAF airfields in the Mediterranean, In one day I had passed over the bridge going to be one heck of a favour. We also doubled as the civilian International from boyhood to manhood. It was a hard enlisted the help of a mate who worked Airport for Malta. journey for me; I pray others find an easier in the main office. He duplicated a few route. For all the ups and down’s of Air Force thousand letters stating: life there was the levelling effect of having Life goes on, possibly in a more sombre “Dear …….., every need catered for. I didn’t have to mood for a while, and then it does get think, “What’s for breakfast?”, “Where am better. I know. Due to the thousands of replies, I am sorry I going to sleep tonight?”, “How do I get to that I am unable to reply to your letter During the years to come I would my next posting?”, “When is my electric personally, etc etc” experience many more disasters in my bill due?” Every little detail of one’s life job as fireman. The immense feeling of The other lads on the section joined in, had been taken care of. All you had to satisfaction when a life is saved can never helping to open every letter, put a name on do was obey the last order given by the balance the sadness one feels when you the duplicated replies, address envelopes next rank above you. Any problems? Pass fail. and stick on stamps. Letting other lads on them up the line. When they reached the the camp sift through the letters, for a fee, top someone delegated them to someone Having spent twenty-two years in the crash solved the cash problem regarding the else. They passed them on, so by the time rescue service, I could easily fill many stamps. Due to this system many of the the problem finally reached the person pages with accounts of incidents attended, letter-writers did end up with pen pals. responsible, it was too late to do anything but I have no intention of turning this into It took weeks of hard work but all letters about it. The problem finally ended up in a disaster novel, so detailed accounts of were answered, though I vowed that the the “File closed” cabinet. Life is easier for future crashes will not appear in my story. next time I hear the words “Taff. Can you all under this excellent system. I hope the reader will understand. do me a favour?”, I intend to do a quick Stres? I can’t even spell it. Life whilst off duty was just as busy. I disappearing act. returned to the bars where the ladies of Compared to the laid back attitude of One day Sarge called me into the office the night plied their trade, to those who El Adem, life at Luqa was a real culture and asked me when I intended taking some could afford it, which excluded us. The shock. The super efficient Sergeant time off. I had not given the matter much local cinema still played ‘Perfidia’, now arranged for me to have fire training, sit thought but he pointed out to me that as I beginning to sound a bit worse for wear. RAF education exams, receive driving was half way through my service why not We wondered if there would be a special lessons on public roads and he continually take this year’s leave (Two weeks) and ‘Gala’ night when a replacement record monitored my progress. The final test was next year’s leave all at once, thus giving was eventually found. On the musical side, a fire of a few thousand gallons of aviation me four weeks off? I now not only played the organ but had fuel. This was poured over an old aircraft also become a member of the RAF Malta I checked on the chances of a free trip with dummies placed inside. I had to take Military Band. The need for an eight-day back to the UK but as my leave covered charge of a fire crew, drive them to the fire, week with twenty-five hours in each day the Christmas period, no chance. My rescue the dummies, put the fire out and crept up on me. next stop? The BEA (British European then write up a full report on the incident. Airways) ticket desk. Again, as it was the Sarge was very impressed with the end During one of my rare quiet moments, Christmas period, no cheap flights. If I result, so much so that I was promoted to whilst relaxing in my room, the door wanted to return for the holiday season I the rank of ‘Local acting Corporal’ and put opened and a mate of mine popped his head would have to pay the normal fare - Fifty- in charge of one of the crash fire crews at in and said the famous last words, “Taff. As two-Pounds, return. This was a small the main airport. you’re not busy can you do me a favour?” fortune in those days but I decided to My pride came down with a sudden bump Wise men should answer “No” splash out. After a year in the sun I felt like a change, anyway Christmas was a time for on the first day as a Crew Commander I, being a fool said “OK” when the dreams of fantasy were replaced All he wanted was a hand to answer a few www.rafanddfsa.co.uk 5 Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 spending round the fire with family, so I my panicking brain was, “I knew I should would buy and ordered two bottles of a bought the ticket. have packed my spare underwear in my rather cheap wine. accessible hand baggage, not in the hold!” Once again the many stop journey, Rome, When the bill arrived, there was the price Nice, Paris, UK but this time in real luxury. Looking out of the window and seeing of the wine, as shown on the wine list, plus Only the rich flew in those days so every the fire tenders lined up at the side of “Local Tax”, plus” Service Charge” plus passenger had an armchair, their own table, the runway did nothing to reassure me. optional “Tip”. meals served on best china with silver Thankfully we landed safely. A quick mathematical calculation revealed cutlery and stewards who waited on you Due to the faulty engine, we were stuck that there was no way this bill was going every minute of the journey. in Rome. The spare part would have to be to be paid. The look on our faces told the Years later when flying to Spain, with my sent out from the UK, so BEA whisked waiter all he needed to know regarding knees stuck against the seat in front, trying us off to a top four-star hotel and soon we our financial situation. The look on to eat dry meat off a paper plate with a were seated in the restaurant, being waited the waiter’s face as he summoned four plastic knife and fork, the lukewarm coffee on ‘hand and foot’ and a small orchestra rather tough looking bouncers told us all dripping from a plastic mug balanced on playing quiet music in the background. The we needed to know. He took what little a tiny tray - my mind drifted back to BEA waiter arrived with the menu, and that was money we had and the bouncers escorted Silver Wing service. Progress? the start of our problems. Being given a us into the kitchen. We were given the French menu by an Italian speaking waiter choice of “Police or washing up?”. We Christmas 1952 was the rare greeting card can be a bit off putting if you are Welsh. chose washing up, as the RAF does not type. Still, clear, frosty nights, the smoke look lightly on young airmen who upset from the chimneys drifting slowly upwards The solution? - Let the waiter choose. the local police in a foreign country. On to the starlit sky. An artist’s dream. Old The meal arrived. It smelt fantastic, looked entering the washing-up room and seeing friendships were renewed and various like giant size minced beef, and was, the the mountain of dishes, I wondered if this relatives visited. All listened intently to my waiter assured us, the hotel’s speciality. chap had contacted every hotel in Rome, stories of sand, sun and the strange people On the same flight, and therefore at the offering to do their washing up, no doubt who lived in far off lands. My deep tan same table, were three fellow RAF lads, for a small fee. looked a bit out of place in the middle of also returning off leave. We enjoyed the December, but added realism to my patter. Many hours later, and with hands that ‘Hotel speciality’ but were a little curious definitely did not “Look as soft as one’s As the days sped on, I realised that the at the ingredients. At the hotel bar later, face”, we returned to our hotel, worn out phrase “Travel broadens the mind” was we met up with an English couple who and a lot wiser. indeed fact, not fiction. My ‘Stay at home’ visited Rome quite often and “Spoke the friends now seemed to be a bit boring, their Lingo” as it were. They helped satisfy our The following day, plane fixed and in conversation restricted to work, or football. curiosity regarding the food. It was snails. better condition than us, we left Rome and Their life plodded on day after day, same Four pale faced airmen made a quick visit headed back to Malta and duty. routine, same pastimes, same friends, same to the bathroom. When you spend most of One of the many tasks that firemen were every-thing. If you have ever wondered your life eating meat and two veg, or fish expected to carry out, besides fighting where Henry Ford found the idea for his and chips, snails do not come under the fires, were ‘Flare-path’ duties. In the fifties, monotonous production line system, have heading of ‘My favourite food’. electric lighting on runways did not exist. a look at the average man in the street. With the meal, and our visit to the To illuminate the runway at night paraffin On first joining up, I felt home sick, now bathroom, over and done with, we returned flares were used. They looked something I couldn’t wait to return. to the bar. The night was young and so like giant oil-cans, with a wick sticking out were we. After a short discussion four of the spout. These flares were placed at Once again the many stop return journey young airmen decided to see the sights. one hundred yard intervals each side of the to Malta, but this time one of the stops A quick visit to the hotel’s “Bureau-de- runway and lit whilst night flying was in lasted rather longer than expected. On our change” and our few Pounds Sterling were progress. Serviced (wick trimmed and can approach to Rome airport, an engine failed. changed into a few million Liras. At last filled with paraffin) during the day, they Now most people will have noticed that I could call myself a millionaire. Rome is were put back out during breaks in flying gardeners minds are in top gear whilst in a fascinating city and we were captivated and re-lit as soon as darkness approached. other peoples gardens. Decorators always by its sights and driving habits. It seemed One busy evening it slowly got darker and notice the finer points in other people’s that the most essential requirement for all darker and with no sign of a long break, we houses. Chef’s palates are extra sensitive vehicles and drivers was — blast away as knew we were going to have a problem. when eating out at other restaurants. At this often as possible on the horn. Courtesy, Suddenly the air traffic controller informed stage of my story one should have noticed traffic regulations, steering, brakes, tyres us that there would be a short break soon that my speciality at the time was “Aircraft etc. came bottom of the list of priorities, and could we do an extra quick lay-out? crashes”. Now sitting in a twin-engine or so it seemed. After seeing the Coliseum, aircraft when one engine decides to have Our answer - “Leave it to the experts. We’ll St. Peters, and the hundreds of fountains a day off is something that specialists in get it done in no time.” we headed for the nearest bar. Looking at aircraft crashes become very interested in. the wine list, beer being noticeably absent, Normally two men, one for each side of One of the thoughts that flashed through we worked out what our millions of Lira the runway, laid the flares out and then

Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 6 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk lit them once they were in their correct hit the fire, there was a loud bang, and as the RAF My first job, as a trainee manager position. Our brilliant plan was to have the smoke died down all we could see was with F W Woolworth and Co, demanded one man each side as normal on the tailgate this black tarry statue, where the boss had more than I was prepared to offer. The of the lorry carrying the flares, but have been. Luckily, the only real damage done hours were long and the pressure to make another man on board, getting them ready was to his pride and not him. I felt like more and more profit as the days wore on, and pre-lit. This would save time, as the saying the famous words “I told you so”, proved to be a bit stressful, to say the least. lorry would not have to stop whilst we lit but the look on his face as we peeled the I left. My next job was in the rolling mill the flares after placing them on the ground. tar off was enough for me, and my pride. of a steel company. Hard work but good hours and even more important, good All went well for the first few, then the chap Whilst based at RAF Luqa I watched the pay. As technology improved, the work lighting them tripped. In seconds the whole film ‘Malta Story’, being made. The film was transferred to a more modern plant. lot went up in flames, the driver panicked, had many of my great film star heroes in it Machines did everything and, although jumped out of the cab and ran for his life, and having seen their fantastic feats on the the pay was still well above average, the followed by the flare laying gang, followed silver screen convinced me that these men job was now rather boring. I left. Half a by the lorry, still going strong. This strange were invincible. One day Alec Guinness, dozen jobs later and I still was not happy. state of affairs was due to the fact that the in full flying gear, climbed into the cockpit driver had left the vehicle in gear! We now of a Spitfire, pulled his goggles down and Out of work the daily plod of my mates had a three-ton vehicle, self-propelled gave the signal to start engines. At that proved equally boring. Football, the kids, and looking like a portable Guy Fawke’s point the director shouted, “Cut”. Alec mother-in-law problems, and what the wife bonfire, heading down the main runway. Guinness climbed out of the plane and a was cooking for tea seemed to be all their The fire crew were called out, but fighting real pilot climbed in, pulled his goggles life revolved around. a four-wheeled bonfire on the move is not down and gave the signal to start engines. Changing jobs and mates by the week was, easy, in fact, not possible. Thankfully the The director shouted, “Roll”, the engines obviously, not going to solve the problem. whole lot headed for a remote corner of the started up, the plane taxied and took off. Something had to be done, soon! I looked airfield and came to rest in a ditch. What My hero couldn’t fly! That was the end back over my life and realised that my brief if it had headed towards the main aircraft of my awe for the great stars of the silver time in the air force had been the happiest parking area? I dare not even think of the screen. Now I even have my doubts when days. There was only one solution. end result. The air traffic controller, the I see passionate love scenes, but that’s driver, the flare lighter, my mate and I all another story. RAF get ready. Jones is on his way back. had a right telling off by the boss, but like Chapter 5 Once again I visited the recruiting office, “A problem shared”, a “Telling off shared”, this time voluntarily. It hadn’t changed, Due to RAF life tearing along at a pace isn’t so bad. in fact I’m sure the same tatty welcome I had some difficulty in keeping up with, Thankfully my stint on the flare lorry mat lay at the entrance and the equally time flew by. The realisation that my ended soon after and I returned to normal tatty flag flew over the door, but this time two years National Service was nearly fire fighting duties. At the same time it was they seemed to be saying “Welcome back over came as a bit of a shock. For two noticed that a few cracks had appeared in mate”. years I had been thinking, with dozens of the runway surface, so a firm of contractors other young lads, “Roll on demob”. Now I felt at home. was brought in to solve the problem. The it was here I wondered “Why?” Life, solution was to pour pitch, in its molten Whether the recruiting Officer received though a bit hectic at times, was on the form, into the cracks. This involved a extra pay for each recruit he signed whole quite enjoyable, but the “Roll on portable boiler into which solid lumps of on I don’t know, but he really made demob” attitude had been imprinted in the pitch were placed. When melted, the stuff me welcome. He offered me half a subconscious area of my brain. As, due was poured into the cracks, solidified, dozen different trades, pointing out the to being told what to do for such a long and all would be well. Within an hour of advantages over just re-enlisting as a lowly time, this was the only bit of my brain still starting work, the contraption burst into fireman. working, it took over. My boss asked me to flames and we were called out. I decided sign on in the RAF, pointing out that I had Whilst considering the various options, I to use CO2 gas to put the fire out and it a great future in front of me. Looking back, looked back at my many jobs in the recent worked. On my return to the section the he was right, but I had youth, inexperience, past, should I try something different? boss gave me a right telling off for not foolishness, a subconscious brain and “The Logic took over. I knew that my days in using water. He was convinced that pitch grass is greener in the next field” attitude. the Fire Service were happy ones so why was a solid, and I, unsuccessfully tried to He lost, I won. I opted for demob. A few start looking for “Greener grass in another point out that as it was heated, it was a weeks later the familiar multi-stop journey field”? liquid. I say unsuccessfully as, in the RAF back to the UK came. My uniform was if the boss says “Pigs fly”, pigs do. Two I re-enlisted as a fireman, and that was that. handed in and once again I became Mr. days later the pitch contraption once again Jones. Having no desire to go through the burst into flames. The boss was at hand marching and cross country running bit of so I suggested he came along. When we For a while the novelty of this seemed arrived, the boss, full of bravado, grabbed great. It soon wore off as I realised that one a hose and shouted “Water on”. The water still has to work for a living, in or out of www.rafanddfsa.co.uk 7 Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 joining up, I asked the recruiting Officer afternoon fishing. Strolling over to him, we onto the hose, checked to see if he could about it. started chatting to our new-found friend. see any smoke. He seemed such a nice bloke and ever so He said “You have my word that you will Nothing. well spoken. He asked us what we did. avoid all that.” We laughed and told him of our crafty After a few minutes, and getting fed-up of I asked for it in writing, to which he scheme. Fred then asked him what he did just standing there, he shouted, “What’s replied, “Isn’t my word good enough?” for a living. He replied, his well-spoken going on?” I said “OK” voice now sounding rather stern, The lad on the landing thought he had shouted “Water On” and repeated the He then asked my to sign this bit of paper “I’m the commanding Officer of this RAF order. Within seconds, the fireman at the confirming the fact that I would serve for base. You two had better catch up with pump had revved up the engine, opened the required number of years. your fellow runners. Tomorrow I’ll check up to see if you arrived back the same time the required valves and sent water at I replied “Isn’t my word good enough?” as the rest. If not, you’re for it.” one hundred pounds-per-square-inch shooting through the hose. The lad in the He got the point. I got my bit of paper and Now what “It” was, I don’t know and attic, balancing on one of the rafters, was he got his. had no intention of finding out, but I have taken by surprise, lost his balance and fell never run so fast in all my life. Thankfully During the few years I had spent out of through the bedroom ceiling — complete we did catch the other runners up, though the RAF the fire trade had advanced quite with hose, now spouting hundreds of we were puffing more than they were. I a bit. New fire tenders, new equipment, gallons of water a minute. new ways of doing things, etc It was wonder why? Fags, extra effort, or possibly “Back to the fire school” for me. Another a combination of the two. In no time at all, the water filled the bedroom, flooded onto the landing and great advance, compared to my two years After five weeks of training all recruits made one of the most beautiful waterfalls National Service was the food. It was first spent a week, working nights, in the you have ever seen, as it flowed down the class. Four star hotel quality without a station Fire Section. Normally this meant stairs and started to fill the living room. doubt. a week sitting watching TV and sleeping. By the time we had realised what was Well, let’s face it; one does not expect to My previous knowledge came in very happening, the damage had been done, have the RAF fire school catching fire. handy and I soon picked up on all the and the boss shouting “Water Off” sounded When Fred, I and four other lads turned new fire equipment. Due to my previous very similar to the phrase the woman of the up for our stint, we were introduced to the experience I was often asked to help out house shouted at us. on instructional duties, covering for staff fireman in charge, shown to our bed spaces that were sick or on an odd day off. and instructed in how to change channels We spent the rest of the night trying to on the TV clear things up, and failing. The following Also, due to my previous experience, I was morning was spent trying to explain things All went well till about nine o’clock, when a bit quicker off the mark when it came to to the Senior Fire Officer, and again, this loud bell started ringing. The chap in taking advantage of the system I palled up failing. with another re-entrant, Fred, who was as charge picked up the phone and shouted Towards the end of our training the crafty as me. On Wednesday afternoon all “Move, you lot, there’s a chimney fire in “National Blood Transfusion Service” recruits were expected to take part in some married quarters!” sports activity. Now Fred, like me, had this team arrived on the camp. Now the allergy to energetic activities, especially We leapt onto the fire tender and set off. Commanding Officer, wishing to make a if there was no chance of gaining a few On arrival we could see smoke billowing good impression, decreed that any airman pennies at the end. Turning up at the sports out of a chimney, and a rather distraught giving a pint of blood would be issued assembly point, I could see Fred deep in woman, waving like mad, at the front door with a weekend pass. Now in those days, thought. Suddenly, his face lit up. of the house. Super efficiently, we entered everyone worked on the Saturday morning, the house, doused the fire and gave a sigh so the chance to have a nice long weekend “Taff’ he said, “We are going cross-country of relief. Nothing too serious and, “all’s off was sure to bring in plenty of blood running”. well that ends well.” Heads held high, donors. His plan would have worked if Whilst others joined up with activities with a feeling of pride that only experts the Sergeant in charge of the passes had such as rugby, soccer, swimming, cricket, ever experience, we strolled back too the given out the passes after the blood had etc, Fred and I tagged onto the back of the fire tender. been given. He gave the passes out first. Result: - three hundred passes given out. cross-country group. As we set off on our With that some bloke comes up to us and Seventy pints of blood collected. In all run, Fred whispered “Slow down”. mumbles something about seeing some fairness, seventy honest firemen was good smoke coming out under the roof gutter. Soon our fellow runners disappeared going for a RAF Camp! over the horizon. We peeled off down Out came a hose and ladder, in the house, a side-track and came to a halt on the into the attic and we were ready for the After eight weeks our training was banks of the local river. Sitting down on worse. By now the lad in the attic, holding complete, or sort of. Anyway we were all the bank puffing away on a cigarette, this given a certificate and off we went to our is the life, I thought. A few yards away, various camps. As all the camps already another contented chap was spending his had firemen, I assume they knew exactly

Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 8 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk what to expect; for, in the RAF only a Gaydon we were called out to eighteen concentration soon became apparent when fool fails to prepare himself when a new chimney fires. we calculated that twenty rods, complete fireman is posted in. with a brush, had gone up the chimney. Now the Fire Officer realised that by Chapter 6 applying ‘Sod’s Law’ there was a good Now we had only eighteen rods on the chance that his chimney would one day living-room floor and no brush. A bad I arrived at RAF Gaydon, Warwickshire in become a victim of this curse of the coal omen. We looked up the chimney and the autumn of 1962 and fell in love with fire. The idea of his house catching fire did there, just out of reach, we could see it straight away. The camp itself was just not appeal to our boss and, considering his the other two rods still attached to the like any other RAF station except for the position; it would be a bit embarrassing brush. Try as we did, there was no way of location. Situated a few miles outside the to say the least. To play safe he asked me reaching them. Admitting defeat we got attractive town of Leamington Spa, and and another new arrival to pop round and in touch with the Camp’s Works Services with easy access to Stratford-upon-Avon, give his chimney a quick sweep. Armed Department and out came their team of Warwick, Coventry and, by express train, with two dozen chimney-rods, a chimney- experts. After various failed attempts their Birmingham, it was perfect. The lads on brush, a bucket and a large blanket we boss decided the only solution was to cut a the section were friendly and welcomed all set off. My partner was a RAF boxing hole in the wall of the first floor bedroom, newcomers with open arms. Our Boss, an champion and built like the proverbial so he and his team got to work. With that, old World War Two veteran, was a cheery brick out-house. the Fire Officer arrived. old soul and as long as he was topped up with regular mugs of tea was quite content On arrival, we set to work and he insisted How does one explain a crowd of laughing to let life plod along at its own pace. on doing the hard graft of pushing the rods sightseers, a missing chimney-pot, a up the chimney. As we worked the rods smashed conservatory, a living-room Possibly one’s memory plays tricks with up and down at an exceptional speed, soot full of soot, half a dozen workmen, also past recollections but I am sure that in seemed to come from everywhere. The covered in soot, trundling up and down those days summers were warm and sunny, idea of the blanket was to hold it against your stairs, and a hole in the bedroom wall? autumns cooler but still pleasant and when the fire grate and somehow prevent the winter came you could guarantee frost and With hindsight I think the boss would soot entering the room. This system of snow on a regular basis. The seasons could have preferred a chimney fire. As for my doing things proved to be of little use and be depended upon. As the days shortened mate and I, The Fire Officer’s comments soon the living room started to look like and winter drew near, tell-tale columns I consider rather unprintable and best left the inside of a coalmine. of smoke could be seen rising from the to the imagination. Anyway, I was unable chimneys of the many houses, known as Ah well, we could always clean up later. to find some of the words he used in my married quarters, which had been built near Whilst still pushing the rods up the dictionary, so I am unable to check for the camp. Winter was on its way and coal chimney we heard a muffled crash outside. spelling errors. Luckily for us he was fires were being lit in living rooms ready Intent on getting the job done we ignored posted soon after and we were able to come for an evening where families sat and this, but soon after we could hear the out of hiding, though we were the laughing listened to the wireless, read books or just sound of laughter, so I went to see what stock of the camp for many months after chatted to each other. TV was a luxury few was going on. our little disaster. could afford. At meal times, with no Big There, in the street were dozens of The other chimney fire disaster at the camp Mac’s, no cans of Coke, no ready meals, onlookers, all laughing their heads off and thankfully involved other members of the no pizzas etc, mum prepared everything looking up at the roof. Sticking up about fire station. Some bright airman had come and the whole family sat round the dining twenty feet above the chimney, which up with a novel way of fighting chimney table at meal times. seemed to have lost its chimney pot, was fires. Instead of fighting the fire from the Happy memories. the brush and half a dozen rods waving bottom up with a small hose attached to the gracefully back and forth in the breeze. On rods, he devised a system where someone In the sixties most houses had open coal the way back into the house I noticed some climbed up on the roof and a small amount fires, lovely to look at, wonderful to sit fragments of glass by the back door. Closer of water was allowed to trickle down the in front of and if you haven’t tasted toast investigation led to the discovery of a hole chimney. As the water hit the fire, it turned made in front of an open fire, spread with in the roof of the conservatory and a broken to steam and extinguished the fire. This, fresh farm butter and home made jam, you chimney pot on the floor. The mystery of in all fairness, did seem to work, until :— haven’t lived. For all the plus points of an the muffled crash had been solved, worse open fire there were also the minus points. One wet and windy night the crew turned luck. I pointed out to my mate that we Sometimes reluctant to light, smoky if the up, one lad climbed up on the roof, water were there to sweep the chimney not the wind was in the wrong direction, dusty was turned on and …. sky and it might be a good idea to get the and continually needing topping up. The rods down as quick as he could before the Out from the house next door came a other big disadvantage for us, as firemen, crowd outside grew any bigger. rather irate man covered in soot. With the was the dreaded chimney fire. Unless wind, rain and smoke from the fire, the lad chimneys were swept regularly, soot would In the panic to pull the brush and rods on the roof had got the wrong chimney pot! accumulate, catch fire, and could be quite down the chimney as fast as he could, he dangerous. During my first December at failed to keep the threads, which locked It was at RAF Gaydon I palled up with the rods together, tight. This slight lapse of Roger, a gentle giant of a man with a bright www.rafanddfsa.co.uk 9 Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 blond crew-cut that was so thick you could platforms to use, what the fare would be, in-charge, “Every week I come up here, have swept a cow shed out with it and still etc, and the dog took us through all the everybody knows me, yet I have to go have enough bristle left to do the same the busy interchange stations with no problems through endless security checks. Tonight next day. at all. a bunch of scruffy yobs drive up and you wave them straight in?” His sister had married a chap who we’ll Above ground Roy would say, “If you call Roy. In his boyhood days he had made look to your right you will see St. Paul’s His reply: the mistake of playing with some railway Cathedral, then over there are the houses “Taff, when this place catches fire, if the fog detonators. One exploded and he lost of parliament, if we pop up this street you Kremlin turned up in a fire engine, I’d let his sight in both eyes. He never moaned will see the changing of the guard in a them in.” about his disability, in fact he was quite few minutes time, and whilst we are here a cheerful character, as I was soon to (Westminster Abbey) we might as well With no TV, visits to the local cinema in discover. pop across the road and see the Methodist Leamington Spa were a regular occurrence. Westminster Central Hall and then it’s One evening a gang of us turned up at the Fully equipped with a guide-dog he had only a short walk to the Roman Catholic local picture house. At the end of the row secured a good job in London and got on Westminster Cathedral.” of seats we had been shown to was a little with life. Now anyone with a guide-dog old lady, all by her self. Half way through has to return to the guide-dog school every It was unbelievable. A very humbling the show during a very quiet bit of the film few years for refresher training. It’s not just experience that made me realise that we one of the lads passed wind, rather loudly. the dog that has to be checked out to see who have eyes, look at many things, but Half the cinema turned round and looked if it is doing its job correctly, but also the we see so little. at our row of seats. The lad at the end, owner. As the old saying goes, “There is no (To test this theory you must have gone up without batting an eyelid, turned to the such thing as a bad dog, only bad owners.” the stairs in your house thousands of times. old lady and said in a loud but clear voice, Anyway, as it happened, one of the training Don’t cheat. Without going to check, how “Don’t worry madam. I’ll take the blame.” centres designated for this course was in many steps are there?) Leamington Spa, just down the road from One film that I will always remember One of my jobs at Gaydon was to carry out us. As soon as Roy and his wife booked is the great biblical epic ‘The Bible’. A a weekly test of the fire appliances located into one of the local hotels, Roger and I gang of lads from the Fire Station had in the top-secret bomb dump. To gain popped down to see them. We took the made a special effort to see this film entry each week I first had to go through three of them, ie Roy, wife and dog, round which was being shown to packed houses a security check at the main camp police the town, went out for the odd meal in the at every cinema in the land. Full colour, station. There I was issued with a new pass evenings and one day — Well you know wide screen, stereophonic sound, and a every week, I drove to the bomb dump, what lads are - A night on the pop. cast of thousands, this film had it all, not showed my pass and RAF identity card at forgetting the story of course. The missus stayed in the hotel and off we the outer gate, passed through a courtyard went. I don’t think we covered half the and then had to identify myself again at On leaving the cinema we chatted about pubs in Leamington, but I can assure you an inner gate and repeat the identity and the fantastic special effects, (well fantastic that by the end of the night we were in a pass procedure. Then and only then was for the sixties I can assure you.) I jokingly rather sorry state and even worse, lost. I let into the inner sanctum. Even with all commented, “Yes, it was a good film but Panicking, and wondering where Roy’s this security I still had to be accompanied not as good as the book.” hotel was, Roger and I were quite worried. at all times by a police escort. One lad replied, “Oh! Have they brought Roy calmly patted the dog on the head, One night a gang of us were returning from the book out?” said something about hotel and off we town after going to the local cinema. All went, dog in front, then Roy, then Roger The other cinema incident I will always were dressed in civilian clothes. We were and I hanging on sheep-like at the rear. remember was when a mate and I asked passing the Fire Section the fire alarm went As we approached the hotel Roy laughed two WRAF girls out to the cinema. Mine off - there was a fire in the bomb dump. and said, “You sighted people! Bloody was quite a pleasant lass, but the one he useless.” As the duty fire crew sped off in one of the had chosen thought she was God’s gift fire tenders I suggested that as a fire there to all men on earth, a real snob. We had We got the point. could be quite serious, the rest of us would stood in a queue for about half an hour The ability of Roy and his guide dog to take the spare fire tenders and follow on. waiting for the first house to finish then overcome most difficulties came in handy We weren’t expecting to get into the place, we started to go in. Neither of us lads had for Roger and I a few months later. but at least the vehicles would be there if much money, and the seats were priced at the duty crew needed them. On arrival, ‘One-and-nine pence’ or ‘Two-and- six We were staying at Roy’s house one this motley bunch of lads, dressed in our weekend and we decided we would civvies, were waved straight in without like to see the sights of London. Roy any formalities whatsoever. offered to show us round. First hurdle; the complicated London Underground The fire turned out to be a minor one and system. Roy knew exactly which station was soon put out. On leaving the site I we needed, where to change lines, which stopped and commented to the Officer

Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 10 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk pence’. On reaching the ticket box I said, called Atolls. Basically each group is the a busy airfield, though nothing actually “Two ‘One-and-nines’ please.” rim of a sunken volcano with a lagoon in stayed there for long. Its main purpose the centre. Over thousands of years the was to serve as a refuelling stop for My mate followed and said the same. With sea washed parts of the rim away, leaving aircraft flying to or from Australia, Hong that his girl said a circle of little islands with shallow Kong, Singapore and all stops en route. “I am not going in the ‘One-and-nines.” channels between them, shallow enough Whilst planes were being refuelled the He turned to the cashier and said, “Change to walk across at low tide. Over the years passengers were taken off, fed and had a that love. ONE ‘One-and-nine’ please”, coconuts floated ashore, birds dropped walk around to stretch their legs. The news and walked in by himself, leaving miss- seeds and lush vegetation sprung up. that there was a possibility of some female passengers wandering around in skimpy high-and-mighty standing in the foyer. Man followed, survived and prospered, clothing due to the heat usually brought the living mostly off coconuts, a plentiful Once again the nights grew longer, the island to a stand-still, and some of the lads supply of fish and some imported food weather grew colder and the thought of who had been stationed there for months like rice etc. The coconut tree, or rather the another few months of chimney fires and had to be held back. Tense moments! freezing cold sent me up to the main office: coconut palm is more than just a source of food. The plant supplies wood for building, Now anyone stuck out there for a twelve- “Application for overseas please”, said I leaves for roofing, coconut milk, husks month stint, with just a brief spell of leave to the clerk at the desk. for fires and the juice when fermented in the middle, had two choices. Grin, moan “Where to?” he said, to which I replied, provides a rather potent brew stronger than and bear it, or, make the best of it. During “Anywhere hot”. the many ales or lagers we are used to. my stay out there I played the organ in the Drink too much of it and one will certainly station church, formed a church choir, put He looked me straight in the eyes and said, end up stoned, with a hangover to beat all popular musical shows on in the cinema, “You said anywhere. There’s a vacancy for hangovers the following morning. Fresh kept fit by swimming every day, wrote a a fireman driver in RAF Gan. You’ll get water is no problem. As the seawater seeps regular article for our local news sheet that no problem.” And that was that. through the coral that forms the base of “The Gan Island Post” and thanks to a first The only question on my mind was; the islands; the coral filters the water and class education department, I gained four it becomes fresh enough to drink, though GCSE ‘0’ level certificates. Oh! I also had Where the heck is Gan? it does have a distinctive taste, which you to go to work, worse luck. soon get used to. Chapter 7 The problem with work was that aircraft For some unknown reason, great explorers So there you have it. Clear crystal blue are more fuel efficient in cool air, therefore always head for the highest and coldest seas, skies to match, all year sunshine, most long-haul flights to and from the places like Everest, or the North and South palm trees gently swaying in the cool Far East took off at either end during the Poles. Possibly one of the reasons I will breeze always present due to the low lie evening. We were roughly half way, so by never be famous is that you can give me of the islands, most only three or four feet the time they reached us it was two or three somewhere flat and hot anytime. above sea level, dazzling white beaches, in the morning. safe swimming in water you don’t have One of the shows we put on in the station Now when you look at the world you will to test with your big toe, multi coloured cinema was ‘Maria in the Red Barn’, a notice it’s just a giant ball. At the top and tropical fish, fantastic sunsets that artists Victorian music hall type of show. Now bottom are two white bits and they are couldn’t even dream of, the list is endless. you will have noticed from the title that the cold, very cold. Around the centre is a line, There was one drawback, neatly summed leading role called for a girl called Maria. the Equator, which is the hot, very hot bit. up in the song from the musical ‘South Problem? There were no girls on Gan. Where is RAF Gan? Pacific’, which goes, “What don’t we have?” Now a rather pretty young lad whose name Right bang on the Equator. It is only a tiny and trade I will not reveal for professional “We don’t have dames.” little island and you will not find it on the reasons (As they state in many film credits average map because it’s so small. A mile Twelve months of monastic existence on “All names and places are fictional. Any and three quarters long and three quarters a paradise island? Not exactly what most resemblance to any person living or dead of a mile wide, plonk in the middle of the lads in their early twenties desired. There is purely tough luck.” Or something like Indian Ocean. The actual runway starts were a few chaps who were not bothered that.) on the beach at one end and ends on the by this problem, but we won’t follow that Anyway suitably attired, in a revealing beach at the other end. Any RAF plane that line of thought, if you get the gist of things? lands short of the runway or one that fails costume and bits of foam padding in to stop at the other end becomes a Royal The island had all the facilities of a major the parts where his body that lacked the Navy Ship, sort of. town. It generated its own power, had necessary bumps, the result was amazing; canteens, clubs, a church, a cinema and not only for him but also the audience. Gan itself is one of a thousand islands that even a fully equipped hospital complete Originally planned as a one-night show form The Maldives archipelago, a line of with operating theatres. It was completely it went on for three nights plus an extra islands starting just south of the bottom self-contained. It had to be, the nearest of India and ending at the Equator itself. main RAF base was in Singapore, one and All the islands are formed in little groups a half thousand miles away. It was quite CONTINUES PAGE 14 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk 11 Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 Vulcan B2 XL358

n the night of April 16th 1967 at about RAF Scampton is about 25/30 miles from clean and untouched as though it was not O21.15 hrs the crash crew was sitting RAF Binbrook. As it was dark, and not part of the rest of the aircraft, which was in the crash bays at RAF Binbrook. Flying much other traffic, we made it in record totally burnt out, with much smoke and had just finished and we were waiting to be time, which is just as well as operating a a few remaining small fires, in particular stood down for the night, when a call came hand bell is really hard on your arm. The the wheels. The situation was well under through from air traffic that a Vulcan had journey must have taken about one hour. control with the whole remains covered crashed and exploded at RAF Scampton There were no duel carriageways in those with foam. A foam blanket surrounded and assistance was required urgently. Air days. what remained of the aircraft. traffic were prepared to release one foam On arrival at RAF Scampton we were The Binbrook crew were quickly put to tender with a crew of four. The rest of our waved straight through the main gate work in support of the Scampton crash crew were stood down for the night. with an RAF policeman on board giving crew who must have been well and truly The 5A, and 4 crew volunteers was directions. We soon arrived at the crash knackered by this time. while they had a detailed. The only crew member, other site, runway 05. brake, We assisted by continuing to place than myself, that I can recall was Coss foam in patches where the blanket was As we arrived, the aircraft or what was Costello. We were both SAC’s at the time. becoming thin. There was still a strong left, an Avro Vulcan B2 of 617 sqdn Coss was in the driving seat in a flash. I’d smell of fuel as there was so much about. registration XL385, was much as you see never seen him move that quick. I was in in the photograph. Later, I recall, along with others, being the left seat and got stuck with the hand detailed to place sand around all the wheel bell. The cockpit was lying on its side, looking hubs which were still burning.

Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 12 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk There was a very strong crosswind that At the start of the take-off run there was passed through the aircraft, flew across night which made it almost impossible an explosion in No 1 engine. Debris from the airfield, passed through an RAF Police to fight the running fuel fire. The RAF the engine ruptured fuel tanks. The aircraft land rover , crossed a minor road and came Scampton crash crew had done a great job. was destroyed by fire. to rest in a nearby field. We were there for many hours throughout According to an Air-Britain report it’s For some years the threshold of runway the night and I do not recall returning back possible that two engines may have 05 at Scampton, where this accident took to RAF Binbrook. I probably was asleep, exploded as the the aircraft was preparing place, was displaced by some 500ft until but who cares, Coss was the driver!! We for take off. The engines were run up and the runway had been repaired. had to return by 7am to service the MK 5A an HP turbine disc failed. A subsequent fatal incident at RAF as flying always started at 8am. The crew, which included an ATC cadet Cottesmore some time later, on 30 January RAF Binbrook, at that time, had 5 squadron whose parachute opened as he vacated the 1968, was probably of a similar engine stationed there with it’s MK6 Lightings. aircraft, escaped safely. failure. The accident report from aviation Safety The explosion in No1 engine was probably It would be interesting if any other network is as follows:- caused by a failed swirl vane in the members recall this accident on the night Occupants 6, Fatalities 0. combustion chamber. This probably of 6th April 1967, or the one at Cottesmore Destination was Goose Bay. passed through the power turbines, No1 in 1968. engine, which was at full power, surged, Aircraft written off, damaged beyond the LP compressor disk broke away, repair. www.rafanddfsa.co.uk 13 Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 afternoon matinee, Its success could heavenly voice, sort of deep and echoing, out the next hymn and go straight into a have only been due to the fantastic script, shouting: short prayer, then sing one verse of the next my brilliant musical rendering on the hymn, followed by a short sermon. We had “Taff, Are you there?” borrowed NAAFI piano, or possibly better sing all the verses of the last hymn Maria. Why he/she always received a I lay where I was, trembling and wondering but play it fast, that way I’ll get a round of standing ovation at the end of every act has what the heck was happening to me. Then, golf in before lunch.” always baffled me. I, as musical director, bravely, I slowly opened one eye and to In all fairness, he had his faults, but was and the rest of the cast received no such my horror all I could see was millions of a man any airman could turn to in time adulation. I will let one little secret out. bright shining stars. of trouble, he had a listening ear and was The lad, alias Maria, had something to do “I’m dead” I murmured quietly and shut respected by all ranks, high or low. He with the medical centre reception and for my eyes tight, preparing my apology didn’t walk around the base with a halo on some other unknown reason the number speech to my maker for the few (well his head, though he did ride round with a of lads needing sick treatment on the perhaps a bit more) faults I had acquired sign on the front of his bicycle which said, days following the show went up by two- since joining the RAF. MAKERS REP.’ hundred percent. Bravely, and a bit wobbly, I stood up There were times when he would jump I still wonder why our show had this and opened my eyes. There was my mate to the wrong conclusions regarding his strange effect on so many airmen. calling my name, his voice echoing through ability as a minister of the gospel. At the The other main attraction seemed to be the tiled toilet block. On the floor lay the end of one service he came up to the organ the NAAFI bar. At the start of my story I remains of my thermos flask, smashed to and asked me if I had noticed his ability mentioned the fact that two or three pints bits with the morning sun reflecting off to hold the attention of the congregation seemed to be the required amount of beer the thousand or so fragments of broken during his sermon. I didn’t have the heart to render the average airman legless. silvered glass from the inside. Out came to tell him the reason for the attentiveness With a few years of training, (NAAFI. one of the most famous sentences in the of his congregation. Just as he had started bar — not fire), the two or three pints world. to give the sermon two chameleons, the soon became three or four, then four or “Never again” little lizard like creatures with the ability five, and so on. This had what is called to change colour, appeared on the wall “The inverse law effect”. ie The more one Normally this statement is usually behind him. Slowly eyeing each other the consumed the fatter one’s belly became forgotten as soon as the bar reopens but little lizards got closer and closer to each and the thinner one’s wallet. It didn’t really for some unknown reason I haven’t been other. After a while they met and started to affect me as I’ve always managed to stay stoned since. I still go out with the lads but make mad passionate love right in front of slim and with the free beer generated by stick to ‘Coca-Cola’. In fact I think I have us, but behind the padre. How does one tell my piano playing abilities, my wallet still more enjoyment watching them make a a preacher his sermon had been completely grew. One night I had popped over the fool of themselves. Little do they realise ignored and the staring congregation NAAFI to get a thermos flask of tea and a how daft they look at times and, on a more were engrossed during the service by two sandwich, intending to have a quiet night serious note, how much damage they are chameleons having sex. in reading a book. I got as far as buying doing to their health - and wallet. But, live On another occasion he joyfully decreed the tea, but there was a crowd in the bar and let live, and as I used to say whilst that he had managed to convert a few and they wanted a sing-song. My arm was living in England: local Muslims to the Christian faith; no twisted and soon I found myself sitting “If everyone in the world was perfect, mean feat you may say. At work the next at the faithful old piano with the usual we would all speak with a Welsh accent.” day I asked one of the converts what had copious pints being delivered at a faster attracted him to the church. His answer: than normal rate. The padre (RAF vicar) on the island was a cheerful old chap, about five foot tall and “It’s the middle of Ramadan” (the At eleven o’clock the duty Sergeant should five foot round the waist. Here was a man religious period when all true believers in have arrived and called “Time gentlemen who could drink gallons and still remain the Islamic faith fast) “and I’m starving. please.” As it happened the duty Sergeant standing whilst all about him had fallen. Now I’m a Christian I can eat as much as was also partial to the odd pint and had no He regularly used to challenge the naval I want to.” intention of leaving the Sergeant’s Mess crews of visiting supply ships to a drinking bar, so we carried on drinking. At some contest, and never lost. Possibly when one Sorry Padre, filling ones belly is not an unearthly hour we decided to call it a day has neat alcohol running through ones ideal conversion in anybody’s book. and after staggering over a heap of drunken veins, you can’t really get drunk. One member of the congregation told me bodies, yours truly complete with thermos that the Padre’s sermons definitely had flask, heading back to bed, or that was the His other great love was golf. Many a Sunday morning he would arrive at the a mystical healing effect. When I asked plan. I felt terrible and decided to pay a for a more detailed account the lad said, visit to the toilet block. That’s the last I station church and outline the order of service. “I used to suffer from insomnia. Now remember. My next recollection was of a during church services I have no problem “We’ll start with just two verses of in dropping off to sleep.” ‘Onward Christian soldiers’, speeded up a bit, then a short reading. Then we’ll leave One thing both the Padre and I were

Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 14 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk proud of, we broadcast to the World. all tanned. I commented, “You’ve either well as playing. He belonged to the ‘Barry During our tour out there the BBC World stopped washing or you’ve been abroad.” Male Voice Choir’ and asked me if I was Service decided that their Easter service, With great pride they told everyone of the interested in joining. The idea appealed to normally broadcast from great cathedrals rather expensive three-week holiday they me so I agreed. He arranged to pick me up and churches all over the World, would had been on in the Maldives. I commented, at my billet on the Tuesday evening and come from our little station church on RAF “It’s nice there isn’t it”. They then asked if off we went. Gan. The broadcast, called “Easter on the I had been there and how long had I stayed, “Where do you actually work ?“ he asked Equator” was transmitted worldwide, with as most people only go for two weeks. me, to which I replied, “The Fire Section”. yours truly at the organ. Fame at last. When I replied “Twelve months” I think it rather took the wind out of their sails. I then asked him where he worked to which Like the Padre, I also had a go at this Silently I thought to myself, “And you he answered, “Station Headquarters.” and thing called golf. Now in theory it is quite paid a fortune. I got paid for being there!” that was that. simple. There is this little white ball that you place on the ground. You have this As my time to leave Gan drew near I During the weeks to come we went to the sort of club that you hit the little white naturally looked forward to my return choir practice every Tuesday evening, ball with. The ball then goes up in the air, to the UK. It’s strange but as nice as followed by a few drinks and a chat at the covers a few hundred yards and lands in guaranteed sunshine greeting you every local pub, me on my ‘Coke’ and he with this little hole in the grass. Now though morning when you climb out of bed, silver his pint. One day, whilst at work the boss this has been done in one shot by some sand, crystal clear blue water, swaying came rushing in, obviously in a state of clever berks, most people take three or palm trees and all the other attributes Gan panic, shouting, four separate shots to get the ball to reach had to offer, after twelve months a cold “Attention. Commanding Officer present!” its destination. Then there was me. Now breeze and a shower of rain is something when the ball goes down the little hole in you look forward to. Strange things us Now the CO at RAF St. Athan was an the ground you can’t see it, you seem to human beings; agreed? Air-Commodore, a very high ranking have lost it. I achieved the same effect of Officer and a visit to the lowly fire station Now all I had to do was wait for my losing the ball but not in the little hole. was a rare event so we all panicked. As he flight. The day before my flight was due Regardless of my efforts, my instructor’s entered I thought “I recognise that face”. an aircraft carrying a load of explosives efforts and endless advice from various His first words to our trembling boss were, landed en-route to the UK. Now hazardous golf club members, the stupid little white cargo aircraft are not allowed to carry “Is Taff on duty today?” ball seemed to have a mind of its own and passengers, but they do carry firemen. disappeared every time I hit it. Most club The boss looked at me as the CO calmly I was a fireman so was offered a seat. I members preferred to stand on the green strolled over and said, “Sorry Taff, I won’t took it, just to get home a day early. With near the little hole whilst I was playing. be able to make choir practice tonight, hindsight I think, “Me sitting there on top That, they reckoned, was the safest place there’s a bit of a do on in the Officer’s of a load of high explosives, just to get on the golf course when I played a round. Mess.” home one day early?” Thank heavens all No way was there any chance of me went well and we got home in one, not a I mumbled something about him not telling landing a ball anywhere near there. At thousand, pieces. Given the chance now, me the truth regarding his position. the rate I was losing golf balls, the club being a few years older and wiser, I think I would soon be out of spares, so for the His reply: would have hung on for twenty-four hours. members benefit, my instructors benefit, Remember, for every dead hero there are “You asked me where I worked and I said (he had started to behave most oddly) millions of live cowards and I think I’d Station Headquarters. That’s not a lie.” and finally for my benefit, (I have never prefer to be one of the latter group. been so frustrated in my life), golf and I We had a good laugh over it and he left parted ways never to meet again. The day Chapter 8 promising to pick me up the following week. Our boss nearly had a heart attack. I resigned from the club they had a party. On return to the UK I was posted to RAF Wasn’t that a lovely gesture? The Air-Commodore and SAC Jones were St Athan, South Wales, the largest RAF mates; unbelievable! Jumping completely out of sequence and base in the world. I hated it. It had the into the present day: advantage of being close to my home but From that moment on the boss treated me the camp itself was massive and due to its with a bit more respect; I wonder why? The RAF pulled out of Gan a few years size, nobody new anyone, it was a camp ago and the top travel companies realised Whilst at St. Athan I discovered the fact of a thousand strangers. the potential of this beautiful island that anyone playing the church organ paradise with ready-made accommodation, As usual I ended up playing the church on a RAF base was entitled to claim the power plant, hospital, runway, etc. and organ, quite a nice instrument, a real princely sum of four shillings (20p) a bought it. It now cost a fortune to stay there pipe organ and not the electronic type week. It was hardly worth the effort of for a week or two. Some lads who were found on most bases. One Sunday there filling in the form, though I think that was stationed there have returned and have I was playing away and joining in with what they were hoping for. I decided to let told me it hasn’t changed a bit. The other the singing. At the end of the service this the weeks mount up and then put a claim evening I was having my usual ‘Coke’ chap came up to me and commented on in when the money had reached a few at the local when in walked two regulars the fact that I obviously enjoyed singing as pounds. When I put my first claim in the www.rafanddfsa.co.uk 15 Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 rather snotty accounts Officer rang me up one young Officer going up to a mate of you should have seen the CO’s face as and told me that, considering the amount mine and saying, “Sergeant, I need to make he came out of Station Headquarters. My of paperwork involved, it wasn’t worth a telephone call. Have you any change ?“ excuse that I assumed the lad could at the effort of his staff to bother with such least drive a bit, having done two driving The Sergeant, putting his hand into his a small amount. courses, cut no ice. The CO’s roses were pocket, replied, “Yes mate”. in one hell of a mess — and — so was I. I agreed with him and suggested that, to The Officer, sounding rather pompous, make it worthwhile, perhaps he could Besides playing the organ at the station said, “Sergeant, may I remind you of our increase the amount and we would both church I was now in demand for respective ranks. Please address me as Sir. benefit from this gesture. The huff at the RAF weddings in various churches in Now we will start again.” other end of the phone told me all I needed Leamington and the surrounding area. The to know. His staff did the necessary work “Sergeant, I need to make a telephone call. local vicars were only too well aware of and I got my few quid. Have you any change?” crafty firemen and if the church fee was to be paid by cheque, some form of security The Fire Station at St Athan was located in Sarge replied “NO SIR!” was always asked for until the cheque an old aircraft hangar, in the far corner of I wasn’t really happy at St Athan and cleared. Often wedding guests were fellow which was the sole toilet and wash-hand when a chap from Gaydon wrote to the RAF or WRAF personnel, and sometimes basin. This created a slight problem due camp asking if anyone wanted to swap the comments were not too kind. After one to the fact that both Officers and airmen postings with him, as he wanted to be near wedding three WRAF lasses stood outside had to use the same facility, something his family living in Cardiff. I jumped at the church admiring the bride. Tinted with the RAF or any branch of the armed the chance. a bit of envy one commented, services frowned upon. To paraphrase the old poem ‘East is East and West is West, RAF Gaydon was still the happy camp I “He’ll have her knickers off tonight.” and ne’re the twain shall meet’, in the remembered from my early days, and I The next one sarcastically said, “Everyone forces ‘Officers is Officers’ and ‘Airmen soon settled into the day-to-day routine. By on camp has had her knickers off.” is Airmen’, and ne’re the twain shall meet.’ now I had gained my heavy goods licence and also passed my driving instructors Not to be outdone, the last one said “Oh ! To overcome this problem the wash-hand course. Normally when taking out raw Has she started wearing them.” basin had two soap dishes. The one on recruits on driver training, I started off Hell hath no fury like a woman; doesn’t the left, which contained soft scented on a deserted area of the airfield and then matter about the ‘scorned’ bit. soap, had a sign above it, ‘For the use of progressed to camp roads before taking Officers only.’ On the other side was a bar them out on the public highway. There was one really hard-case on the of carbolic soap, again with a sign above Fire Section (I actually played for his One day the boss asked me to take out a it stating, ‘Airmen’s soap’. Similarly there wedding, and if you think he was hard, chap who had done two driving courses were two rolls of toilet paper, the soft roll you should have seen his wife!). One but had yet to pass his test. I naturally marked, ‘For the use of Officers only’ night while out on the ‘pop’ in town, he assumed that this chap would be fairly and a roll of cheap hard paper marked decided to show off his prowess with his competent so took him around the camp ‘Airmen’. Every time I heard the Officer fists, by boxing with his reflection in a shop to check on where he was going wrong on complaining to our boss “Somebody’s window. Suddenly his real fist met with his his driving test. We headed up the main been using my soap”, I thought of the reflected fist and there was a terrific crash camp road and at the end, just outside story of ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ as the window disintegrated, followed by Station Headquarters, was a roundabout and the words “Somebody’s been eating the sound of two police Officers shouting my porridge.” covered with the CO’s pride and joy — A fantastic display of the finest rose bushes “Hey You!” Another example of these strange rules you have ever seen. As we approached this As the lad ran off, the Officers gave chase. came to light when the section was beautiful display I asked the lad who was He ran down the main street, turned off extended and the fire Officer had a new driving the truck to turn right. Observing up a side street and in an effort to lose the office. This meant that the Warrant Officer that he had made no effort to neither policemen ran up a little back lane. could now move into the old fire Officer’s change down a gear nor give any hand room. signals, I pointed out this slight error in Bad move; it was a dead end. Problem: Commissioned Officers are his driving technique. With that he took Looking up he saw a small window at the entitled to fully fitted carpet; where as his right hand off the steering wheel and back of a building. Climbing up, he broke Warrant Officers are only entitled to a made the necessary hand signal and at the the glass (obviously a favourite pastime) normal carpet. Sending out for a carpet same time took his other hand off the wheel and climbed in. fitter solved the problem. He arrived, cut and changed gear. The three-ton truck we six inches off the border in the Warrant were in shot straight ahead and ploughed Another bad move. Officers room and all was well. into the middle of the roundabout. It was the back window of the police ‘Long in the tooth’ Sergeants took great As the old TV advert used to say “Roses station, and as he climbed through it and pride in their ability to pull young Officers grow on you.” If you think a three-ton dropped to the floor inside, the immortal down a peg or two if needed. I remember truck covered in roses is a strange sight, words “You’re nicked” rang in his ears.

Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 16 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk Beyond the RAF Fire Service

wenty Eight years ago I made the with an Industrial brigade. They were a to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) way Tjourney to basic RAF training, for me fantastic professional Fire Service and it of doing things. It’s a pleasure for me and it was from Middlesbrough to Swinderby. was an extremely hard decision to leave also for the Initial Delegates to have such It felt like an eternity to get from my them after just 9 months. It’s was probably highly skilled and motivated Firefighters home town to Newark, funny how all the a harder decision than when I left the RAF join them. It’s only my opinion and it may journeys in the Service for the next 24 as I knew like many before me the time be biased but they stand out a mile from years after that never seemed as long.! was right. The challenge of a training role other experienced Firefighters with no Next stop after Swinderby was Manston, in Renewable Energy lured me away. I Aviation Firefighting experience who join the Basic Firefighters course I was on in suppose it could have been viewed as a a week earlier. 1989 was one of the first batch after the left field move for me; when I said to the move from Catterick. I like a lot of new person who recruited me (coincidentally It is with fingers crossed that IFTC and Firefighters from that era had to bare the an ex RAF Firefighter) ‘I don’t know it’s parent company Serco await the results shame for a fair few years from our more anything about Wind Turbines’ he said of the contract award to take over the experienced colleagues that we weren’t ‘So! You can train people though can’t running of the MOD’s Fire Services.. If trained in North Yorkshire! Once we you?’ I left that role 18 months later to take successful the MOD’s Fire Services and arrived at Manston we were shown to our up my current employment back we’re I in particular TG8 will again train in the accommodation and met by our course feel most comfortable training Firefighters North/North East of England and cap a Tutors. I won’t mention their names; the at the International Fire Training Centre full circle return for the RAF Fire Service. Cpl was the good cop and the Sgt was in (IFTC) referred to by most as ‘Teesside’. I may be one of the generation who just my eyes from the moment I met him the missed out on the Caterick experience bad cop.! He wasn’t of course but as a It’s not unique that a Manston or Catterick but I’m relishing the chance to train RAF young man just turned 19 he scared the Instructor has found themselves delivering Firefighters again just down the road... training at IFTC, my fathers cousin Ex you know what out of me.! I’d lost a lot Cheers of weight at Swinderby, as soon as Bad Flight Sergeant John Goupillot did it and I currently work with one of the RAF’s Lee Goupillot (Guppy) Cop laid eyes on me he called me ‘Beaker’ Flight Sergeant (Retired) (from the Muppets) a name that thankfully (Ex) finest. I do consider it a privilege never stuck.! It will be no shock to many though having had the opportunity to have that when I left for my first posting at worked at 2 internationally renowned Fire Conningsby 9 weeks later, that Bad Cop Training Centres. I often get asked how had turned into an inspirational figure. It different it is working at IFTC compared was through him I found my passion for to Manston? I suppose the first and maybe training and the aspiration to be a TG8 not necessarily the most obvious is that Manston instructor myself one day. IFTC is a business and that the Firefighters I train are customers. The training is just Well that day came 16 years later, my first as intense and they are committed but posting as a Sergeant. I was involved in they can go elsewhere for their training a fair few courses as a second instructor unlike the RAF Fire Service. The second until I was given my first basic course. It is doing the same thing but in a different was then that I really started looking back way, the terminology is a-lot different. and thinking of my instructors in 1989, So much so that during my first month I thinking if I could inspire a new generation was told that we would hosting a Sapho’s of RAF Firefighters in the way that they convention! I thought ‘OK a convention did? I’d like to think that was the case. for Bird Scarers’. It was only later I was The Basic Firefighter course was always told that the convention was for SAFO’s my favourite to deliver. I truly felt the (Senior Airport Fire Officer’s)! achievement of getting those lads and lasses through a tough 16 weeks, I also Like Manston my favourite course to keenly felt their sense of achievement too. deliver is the Firefighter Initial. The men I hope they look back at their time with me and women on this course have the same as fondly as I do during my basic training desire to join the Fire Service but not to with my Tutors and that they don’t refer serve in the way we did. I do look forward to me as bad cop! Two of my previous to weeks 4 & 5 of the Initial course as that’s students refer to me as Fire Dad, it’s an when RAF Firefighters leaving the Military accolade I couldn’t be more prouder of. for employment within a civilian airport Rescue Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) join After leaving the RAF in 2013 I had a in what’s known as the ‘Bridging’ element. couple of jobs, the first being Fire related It’s here that they make the transition over www.rafanddfsa.co.uk 17 Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 Ascension Island - Ewan Dunsire

n 1995 I was posted to Ascension Island to explain that there had been a mix up, parked at the airhead on Ascension, Ifor the second time. Two weeks before I they had, in fact, put my luggage in the the captain welcomed everyone to the left we found out my missus was pregnant bins for the Falkland Isles and they were Island with a weather update and asked if with our first child, needless to say when now trying to retrieve them so they could everyone could stay seated until they had I got there I was a bit concerned as she put them in the correct Ascension bins. The disembarked a VIP. was in the early stages of pregnancy. The poor lad almost vomited when I told him I The Trolley dolly beckoned me over to the padre at the time seeing my mind wasn’t only had a carry-on and they were wasting front door (L1), I grabbed my bag and went on the job, organised for me to have a week their time looking for my non-existing to her and she motioned for me to go down back in the UK even though I had only stuff, he disappeared, then a few minutes the stairs, as I looked down all I could see been there a month, without boring you, later they started the boarding process, was a group of people and 2 cars, one was everything was fine and a few days later “could people in rows 1 to 7 (whatever the the station commander’s car, the first one I was headed back to the South Atlantic. number was) please board now. though was what I believe now to be the I rolled up to Brize Norton with what I was on the aircraft quickly as I had been Islands administrators car, both flying flags I thought was time to spare, as I was allocated seat 1j once everyone was seated on the front wings. I turned to the Trolley checking in this warrant officer eyes me the doors closed, the aircraft pushed back dolly and blurted out that there must be a up and declared “your Late”!!, checking and I was delighted as I had no one sat in mistake, she smiled and gently guided me my watch I pointed out that I was on time the 2 seats next to me. out the aircraft and onto the steps, by this with half an hour to spare. He then went on time everyone on the ground was looking The aircraft climbed into the sky and after to explain that someone should have been smiling at me so the only thing I could do a short time the captain switched off the in contact as the clocks were going back was go down. seatbelt signs, I took this opportunity to (whilst we were in the air I may add) and stretch out over the 3 seats of the front row. On reaching the bottom step the Station this somehow screwed the whole schedule A lovely Trolley dolly asked if I wanted commander stepped forward to put his up. Any how in the end he was cool about a blanket to which I agreed and accepted hand out for a hand shake and said “Mr it and passed my check in, to a SAC who gratefully, wrapped up warm and stretched Gardner, welcome to Ascension Island”, I went through the process of checking me out, I fell asleep. grabbed his hand and said “I think there’s in. I had only been back for a few days, been a cock up sir, I’m SAC Dunsire from therefore, I only had hand luggage with I was awakened with a gentle nudge the fire section”. A quick flurry of activity me so I didn’t need to check any bags in, from the same trolley dolly who asked if with a quick radio call and crash one was the process didn’t take long so in no time I wanted to eat, I agreed and sat up, as I on the scene in seconds whipping me away I was sitting in the departure lounge at looked to my left there were 4 people sat in to the fire section. Brize Norton. the middle 4 seats of the front row slightly forward of myself. A distinguished looking A few days in and we had an AOCs After about 20 minutes there was a PA gentleman on the second seat in smiled, Inspection, we were all down at the fire announcement for a Mr Gardner to go nodded and asked if I was comfy, I replied section when the AOC and his entourage to the check in desk. Didn’t pay much with a big grin, a thumb up with a hell ye. turned up, we were all standing to attention attention to it and had a fleeting glance He chuckled and carried on talking to the when in came the AOC who was the around the room as it was crammed with folk sat next to him, it was then I realised distinguished looking gent from the mostly squaddies. A few minutes later the or I thought I was looking at Mr Gardner. aircraft. When he got to me he stopped and same announcement was made for Mr asked if we had ever met as my face was Gardner to please make himself known at Dinner was soon served and I should have familiar. I did not have the bottle to tell the check in desk. I remember thinking that known something was wrong when I was him that whilst he was cramped up with it was a good job he was a Mr at least they asked if I wanted a glass of wine but my his flunkies I was the airman chilling and won’t chew his arse. All of a sudden a red young stupid mind thought it was my relaxing in the seats next to him. faced SAC approached me, all flustered, Christmases and birthdays all rolled into he looks me dead in the eye and says “I’m one, with my wine in one hand I caught Nothing was ever said about that day and sorry Mr Gardner but you are required at the eye of the distinguished looking gent I never found out who Mr Gardiner was the check in desk, we have been calling again so I nodded and raised my glass (it but one thing is for sure he must have been you”, I looked behind me thinking maybe may have been a cup, all I remember is important as they were willing to take him the poor chap had a squint, when I realised the wine in it) and he did the same. To this off the aircraft before the AOC. he was, in fact, speaking to me, I corrected day I cannot for the life of me figure why him that I wasn’t Mr Gardner but SAC I would just accept a glass of wine on an Dunsire. He spun around and disappeared RAF flight as normal!! as quickly as he had arrived. Anyway, after a great meal I settled back Sometime later, the aircraft was now late in down into my 3-seat heaven and fell taking off and people were getting restless asleep again, hours had passed as I woke when the PA went again asking for My when there was a change in the engine Gardner to go to the check in desk, this pitch and the nose of the aircraft dipped time I went towards the check in desk slightly. We were finally on the descent when the flustered SAC approached again into the Ascension Islands. A time later looking even more flustered and went on after an uneventful landing we finally

Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 18 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk CROSSWORD No 9 BY FIREFLY

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Across Down 1. Tingling D Class burns. (6) 2. Hour in middle of short distance. (10) 5. RAF Regiment alien spacecraft. (6) 3. EG sling, badly worn below tunic. (7) 8. Cosy firearms returned. (4) 4. Lord North of warning device. (4) 9. Deserter journalist held in esteem. (5) 5. Tread carefully around turntable ladder having been 10. Cupola in distressed mode. (4) distressed. (7) 12. Snorkelling the French year at South Yorkshire station. 6. Golfers mate on tea bar perhaps. (5) (10) 7. Volunteers the French yarn. (4) 13. Jettisoned fast planes in the morning. (6) 11. Annual test or loop for two wheeler. (10) 15. Court in door leading to SMO perhaps. (6) 14. See 19 Ac 17. Beer in ship angling for rep’s patter. (5, 5) 16. Laid back in the cooler. (7) 19 & 14 Dn. Way to shopping centre in Gateshead or Kentish 17. Be upright with pipe perhaps. (5) fighter base. (4, 7) 18. Upset pills. (5) 20. Nick Clegg surrounded by Artificial Intelligence is 19. Water supply found in endless wellies. (4) elsewhere it’s alleged. (5) 21. Headless timepiece found on canal. (4) 22. Strange old gap in canine friend. (3,3) 23. Large viper found on roof of appliance. (6)

www.rafanddfsa.co.uk 19 Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 On page 7 there are two very interesting pictures of a mark 6. 23-AG-76, the other a Mark 5A, 22-AG-52 (attached pictures). They are shown in the Fire Section, 1958, RAF Scampton. The registrations have been double checked. These two vehicles are a special interest to me, as the attached photographs show on leaving Scampton, they were moved to various stations, UK and overseas.

This picture below shows the Mark 6 in Hendon. The connection to page 7 is that I was stationed at RAF St. Mawgan. It shows me reunited with the Mark 6, 23-AG-76, that I drove whilst at RAF St. Mawgan.

Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 20 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk These two pictures show a different story, how and when was 22-AG-52 shipped to RAF Salalah. I do not know, does anyone know the answer? How I got stuck like that, was due to a massive four hour ran storm, and returning from the Fire Section, “WHOOPS”. It took quite an effort from the MT section to recover. The next one is AOC’s Inspection. All the vehicles had been resprayed for this by SAC Doug Fountine. (25-AG-52 is second from the right.)

www.rafanddfsa.co.uk 21 Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 FLORIAN,PATRON SAINT OF FIREFIGHTERS.

lorian was born in Cetium(Austria) Florian’s cremation his body was removed Florian’s “legend” lives on, he was and Fin the fourth century, he joined the from the pyre and a millstone was tied still is the patron Saint to Firefighters, Soap Roman army as a youth, and progressed round his neck and he was cast into the makers, and chimney sweeps, he also had to become the senior administrator in the local river where he drowned, he was an association with brewers, hence the Austrian district of Noricum. placed into a paupers grave, and sometime bucket on his many statues. after a local lady of means exhumed his One of the failings of the Roman Statues and reference to Florian can be body and gave him a Christian burial. Administration was to dispose of anyone, found in many East European countries., or anything which presented a threat, the Whilst in the employ of the Roman army the Central Fire Station in Vienna is biggest threat at that time was the spread one of Florian’s tasks was to organise guarded by a statue of Saint Florian. of Christianity and to this end Florian firefighting teams, and on one occasion One of the many relics found in Florian’s was ordered to put to death all Christians, he was reputed to have extinguished a tomb was a crude “Maltese Cross” pendant, (death by fire) destroy churches, and burn large fire with a single bucket of water (so the cross forming the basis of many a fire Christian literature, as Florian was himself legend has it) service badge even to this day. a Christian he could not carry out his About 600 years after his death a monastery orders, word of this got back to Rome UntiI I reworked this story I was unaware was built close to Florian’s grave, in who sentenced Florian to death by fire, the that many East European, and worldwide addition a village was also built, both Emperor tried to bribe Florian, with offers countries celebrate National Firefighters monastery and village bore the name of money and a higher status, but because Memorial day on the 4th of May each year. Saint Florian, Florian’s final resting place of his beliefs Florian refused. was within the Augustinium monastery Whilst Florian was standing on his funeral near Linz. Howard Harper member 682 pyre he uttered the words “I will climb Florian was made a Saint at some time to heaven through the flames” because after his death, (I was unable to find a date July 2017 of the Roman’s fear of Christianity, after for this event) RAF CHIPMUNK T-10 NUMBER WP 979 CRASH De-Havilland Chipmunk T-10, number leg, at this time ATC sounded the crash no more, the incident was closed. WP979 was operated by Number 5 A.E.F alarm, the fire station dispatched a Range On return to station the Range Rover was (Air Experience Flight) and Cambridge Rover R.I.V. and a Nubian Major foam washed out and the foam and water tanks University Air Squadron, based at tender, the RIV routing direct to crash replenished. Cambridge Airport. gate number eight from the fire station, and the Nubian routing via taxiway Fire and other vehicles in attendance. On Saturday the 23rd of May 1982 the Alpha, after passing through the crash Range Rover RIV. pilot, an RAF Volunteer Reserve, was gate we could see the Chipmunk, which Nubian Major Foam tender. briefed to carry out four, twenty five fortunately wasn’t on fire, a guard line Land Rover Ambulance. minute sorties during the afternoon. was deployed, and the spilt aviation fuel 1x car, Airport Manager Sorties number one and two were both was given a foam blanket. 1x car, Magpas Doctor uneventful, sortie number three was Ambulance, Cambs Ambulance Service. to prove otherwise, the pilot informed Aircrew extraction was given urgent 1x car, Police. Air Traffic Control that he was turning priority, to slide the cockpit canopy downwind, it was on this leg of the flight backwards we raised the fuselage and Cause of accident; Pilot stress/fatigue, that the pilot became incapacitated, with supported it with a short extension ladder, incapacitation, no outside forces his head slumped forward, and with a I found it difficult to work upside down, contributing to the accident. lack of control the aircraft commenced after reassuring the cadet and the pilot, Aircraft serviceability ; At the morning a shallow dive to circuit height , it I released the cadet’s seat harness and and afternoon pre-flight checks the continued to dive until it impacted with parachute harness sliding him out to my aircraft was declared fit for flight. the ground, finishing up inverted in three colleagues, the pilot had a dislocated hip, sections in a cropped field. after strapping his legs together and me Aircraft hazards; Avgas,(aviation taking his weight my colleagues slid him gasoline) and engine start cartridges Action taken by the Airfield out and onto a stretcher. (stowed in the engine bay) Fire Section. Both pilot and cadet were examined by the Removal from crash site; the aircraft was The fire station watchroom was manned, Magpas Doctor,and both were conveyed removed from the crash site and taken and by some stroke of luck the binoculars to Addenbrookes A.&E Department. to RAF Wyton ready for the board of were being used to check on birds feeding enquiry, it is believed that the aircraft was on the airfield, ATC were informed that The crash scene was made safe, the subsequently struck off charge. either a model aircraft or a light aircraft aircraft battery was removed, as were was seen in a shallow dive beyond the the starter cartridges, with the Airport By Howard Harper (member 682) airfield boundary fence on the downwind Fire Service satisfied that we could do

Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018 22 www.rafanddfsa.co.uk Memories of Gutersloh, Falklands & Cats!

he memory Lane article from George phone placed on top of the box. cats. The RSPCA or some other humane Edwards certainly stirred my grey animal organisation provided steel –trap T Following the afternoon Tristar flight, an cells. RAF Gutersloh was indeed a unique cages to put in the ducts to catch the FNG (Falklands New Guy) fireman found station with an excellent mix of personnel moggies. his way to the section and was alone in the both Brit and locally employed civilians. crew room with the box/cat/phone. This job fell to the Firemen. The “Pest Warrant Officer Morrell was a firm but Control Officer” came into the section fair leader who originated in Devon and The established hands had observed one morning and asked SAC Paddy possessed all the country mans lore and this situation through the Georgian wire Tipper “Any luck last night?” “Yes Sor” values. I shared an office with him and his viewing panels in the crew room door. sez Paddy. “We got an ginormous black homespun philosophy for 2 years sayings One bright spark then called the crew one” “Was it wild” enquired the Flying like “Never associate yourself with a room phone from another extension in the Officer? “It wasn’t very happy Sor” was failure”. He never did of his own volition. section. The FNG detects the ringing and Paddy’s reply. looks around, but no one comes to answer Fire Demo Highlights so gingerly he picks up the receiver on top Steve Davey 670 However in 1976 when a high ranking of the cats box and sez rather timidly “Fire government official visited the station Section”, “Hello “ says the Wag, “Is the we staged a quick knock down fire demo cat in?” The FNG locates Puss in the box on an old Hunter fuselage. This had been and replies “Yes, but he’s asleep!” “OK2 meticulously rehearsed with lines drawn sez the WAG, I will call back”. Everybody for stopping positions and crowd viewing fall about! area. On the” day” the event was perfect 1966 RAF Oakington cats! and the minister was greatly impressed. He said what a wonderful vehicle the MK9 Talking of cats. At RAF Oakington in obviously was. The Flt Lt Fire Officer then 1966 the heating ducts around the station volunteered the information that the truck became the home of free breeding feral could also produce foam on the move and, before Jack could step in, offered a demonstration. I believe that the driver was Geordie Donaldson; The man wielding the monitor remains a mystery. The truck circled away from the watchers, came back from the down wind side, and CROSSWORD SOLUTION produced foam on the move, but towards the VIP assembly! I am sure that Mr S C A L D S R O C K E T Morrell thanked the Fire Officer when he caught up with him and the prominence E E I A A A in their rapid retreat from the snowstorm! S N U G R A T E D L 1986 Falklands “Napalm” T I E T D O M E Moving onto 1986- When the Fire section at RAF Mount Pleasant MPA (Falkland F I N N I N G L E Y O Islands) was new and everything was moving up from RAF Stanley, it was M G E T intended to cull which had become J E T S A M D O C T O R personal pets during the occupation, ostensibly to pre vent a proliferation of T A H R pussies* at MPA. The firemen “Spirited” one tabby moggie away from Stanley to R S A L E S P I T C H MPA ahead of the hunt. The lads christened it “Napalm”. I don’t know why but would W E S T L P L Y hazard a guess that it had dropped a few E A L I B I L O C K nasty “Bombs” in its time. The boys made it a home in a cardboard box with his name L N N L E L painted on it. One fine day the cat found itself in its box in the crew room with the L A P D O G L A D D E R www.rafanddfsa.co.uk 23 Flashpoint Magazine - SPRING 2018